Despite challenging unforeseen circumstances – including labour shortages, supply-chain issues and a global pandemic – the Northern Gateway road improvements have been completed, marking the end of the multi-million pound Transporting Bedford project.
The £24m project came in on budget and saw the largest ever investment in Bedford town centre to tackle congestion hotspots.
The completion of works at Clapham Road comes after projects on Britannia Road, Ampthill Road and on Manton Lane with the installation of a footbridge, to replace the one removed by the County Council, alongside other works.
Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Highways said, “The completion of the Northern Gateway marks the end of the Transporting Bedford project which has seen works including Ampthill Road, Britannia Road, Bromham Road and Bedford High Street.
“This has achieved improvements to well-known hotspots, eased congestion and made our roads safer for all users.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to residents, visitors and other road users for their patience as we have carried out these vital works.”
The project was co-funded by South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), providing over £15m from its Local Growth Fund.
As part of this scheme, Clapham Road between Paula Radcliffe Way and Manton Lane has been widened to create an extra lane for traffic and a left-turn filter lane up Manton Lane, allowing traffic to bypass the roundabout.
A right-hand turn has been added for traffic coming south down Clapham Road to turn right into Sainsbury’s; also taking traffic off this busy roundabout.
The Clapham Road roundabout itself has been widened to create more space for traffic to flow, and traffic signals installed to help ease congestion during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Some improvements for pedestrians and cyclists have been included to encourage sustainable travel.
